STANDING ALONE TOGETHER
One of the movies I seem to watch over and over is Band of Brothers. This WW2 miniseries follows the exploits of “Easy Company” in the European theater, including their Normandy landings, the Battle of the Bulge/Bastogne, Eagles Nest and helping to liberate a concentration camp. The unit’s extraordinary courage and hardships earned them a place in history. They had a 40% mortality rate during the war.
Richard “Dick” Winters’ was the leader of “Easy Company”. He was calm under pressure, led by example, humble, a “Never, ever, give up” attitude, and cared deeply for his men. “He was a brilliant strategist who delegated responsibility, inspired his men through courage … and prioritized their well-being over his own, earning their deep trust and respect.”
“Winters shared this story in the HBO miniseries Band of Brothers and also detailed it in his memoir.
* The Question: A grandson asks his grandfather if he was a hero during the war.
* The Response: The grandfather replies, ‘No, but I served in a company of heroes.’
* Significance: Winters’ choice to share this story reflects his humility and his belief that the greatness was in the collective actions of his soldiers rather than his own individual heroism.” That is powerful and reflects the heart of a servant leader.
The Apostle Paul reflects this same attitude in Acts 20:20-22, “And now, compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there. I only know that in every city the Holy Spirit warns me that prison and hardships are facing me. However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace.” Paul’s band of brothers hiked 40 miles to meet up with him and hear his heart.
Paul knew that REVIVAL led to RIOT in most cities. Paul boldly declared the Gospel in the public square and unholy spirits pushed back. Angry mobs tried to assassinate him and a corrupt justice system brought him to Rome where he was beheaded. The blood of the martyrs became the seed of the church. Many were emboldened and within 200 years or so the small entity of Jesus followers would become the dominate influence in the western world. Simple followers out-lived, out-prayed, and out-loved those around them. It was a company of heroes.
May the seeds of servant leadership past and present fuel us in our battles for the glory of God and furtherance of the Kingdom of God.
Dr. Michael Sprague serves as Louisiana State Chaplain with the Capitol Commission and President of Grace Adventures. He ministers in a non-partisan pastoral role at the Baton Rouge Capitol, offering Bible studies, prayer, and spiritual care to leaders. He helped launch Touch Global Crisis Response after Hurricane Katrina and authored two books. Michael does life in Mandeville, LA with his wife Donna. His motto is “Bet the Farm on God,” reflecting his passion to help others know Jesus. You can find more information about Michael here.
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